Re: Sales Skills

Hey Darin,

Great post and right on the money.....literally. (regarding the education that could not be obtained anywhere else)

But I still cannot believe that there were people willing to shell out $3000 hard earned on something that they surely would have known could be bought for much less.

And I cannot even imagine how many lies were laid out as the sales pitches were tossed out there in hopes of making sales.

I would wager that the most successful sellers used the usual techniques to make their money:

- scare tactics - "If you don't buy this combination you and your family will continue to be exposed to...."

- last minute last chance - "At this price they won't last. The prices are about to go up 10% and I cannot promise if you don't buy here and now that you won't have to pay more next time you see me."

- the combination deal is better - "If you buy the purifier it will clean the air but if you don't buy the vacuum, the dirt that is all over the place will end up getting back into the air. And besides, you will save a fortune on the combination."

- the warranty is incredible - "If you buy from me today I can toss in a warranty like no other...."

Yes, these people have come to my home. I cannot believe how well trained they are regarding getting themselves into the house. I was in the restroom and the guy knocked on the door. Before I could make it out he was inside giving his sales pitch to her. I came out and asked him what was up. He started his sales deal on me and I asked him to leave. I was nice the first time. When he continued I calmly picked up the phone and dialed the police department. (I know all of the dispatchers since I work with them)

When Danette answered I said "Do you have an area car around my neighborhood, Danni. I have a guy in my house that I have asked to leave and he is still in here."

And with that the jerk left. Because my neighborhood is clearly marked "No Solicitation", I followed him outside and warned him that the area patrol car was on the way. I wrote down his license number and he drove off. As he exited he made some sarcastic statements. But in the end I don't think he took any of my neighbors for their hard-earned money.

What I would like to ask you Darin is one simple question. Knowing that people could get it for much less do you have any regrets? It might seem like I was terrible to that guy but my wife DID NOT invite him in. She told me he walked right by and started his sales pitch. He is lucky he didn't get injured. (my dog was outside in the back yard playing or he would have torn the guy a new one)

The bottom line is that I realize that the sales people are trying to make a living. But at some point for crying outloud you have to have a conscience. And how could anyone with any kind of conscience sell something to someone knowing that the markup is thousands and the people who are most likely to make such purchases are probably the ones who could least afford it in the first place?